Everybody wants a credit card that earns rewards on everyday expenses, and luckily, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ do exactly that.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited sets itself apart with 1.5% back on non-bonus purchases, plus higher rewards in select categories including dining and travel. This flexible rewards card becomes even more valuable when paired with a premium Chase card, allowing you to transfer your rewards to travel partners.
The Freedom Flex rewards cardholders with 5x points in rotating quarterly categories and includes solid benefits like cell phone protection and purchase coverage. While the rotating categories require activation each quarter, this card offers significant value for those willing to track and maximize the bonus categories.
This article will compare each card based on several factors to help you make an informed decision on which card is the best to add to your wallet.
Full Reviews: Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex℠.
Overview of Each Card
Welcome Bonuses
Freedom Unlimited:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited currently offers the following welcome bonus:
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Freedom Flex:
The Freedom Flex currently offers the following welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earning Rewards
Freedom Unlimited:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns the following rewards:
- 5% cash-back on travel purchased via the Chase Travel℠.
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 2025).
- 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- 3% cash back at drugstores.
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Freedom Flex:
The Freedom Flex earn cash back at the following rates:
- 5% back on rotating quarterly categories, on up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter;
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠;
- 3% back on drugstore purchases;
- 3% back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services; and
- 1% back on all other purchases.
Winner:
It depends on how you want to earn your cashback rewards. If you want simple cashback and don’t want to deal with rotating categories, choose the Freedom Unlimited.
If you aim to maximize the 5% cashback on rotating categories, go for the Freedom Flex. Just remember, these categories are randomly assigned per quarter, so you’ll have to time your purchases. Plus, activation is needed when new categories are introduced each quarter.
Card Benefits and Perks
Freedom Unlimited:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers the following benefits:
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. After that, a reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR.
120-Day Purchase Protection: Get 120 days of protection against damage, theft, and even loss of your purchases – one of the longest windows available. This premium coverage automatically applies when you pay with your card.
Extended Warranty Protection: Your purchases gain an extra year of warranty protection when bought with this card, extending manufacturer warranties of three years or less without the inflated prices of store warranty plans.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: This protection reimburses you for non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to covered situations like severe illness or weather events. Coverage activates when you pay for your trip with the card, but it’s important to note that reimbursement only applies for specific covered reasons rather than any cancellation.
Secondary Rental Car Insurance: This card provides backup protection for rental car damage or theft when you charge the full rental to your card.
Freedom Flex:
The Chase Freedom Flex offers a lot of great benefits for a no-annual fee credit card including: Cell Phone Protection: When you use your card to pay your monthly phone bill, you’ll receive valuable coverage against damage or theft of your device. Extended Warranty Protection: You’ll receive an additional year of coverage on eligible purchases that come with a U.S. manufacturer’s warranty of three years or less. This benefit can help protect your business investments beyond the standard warranty period. 120-Day Purchase Protection: Get 120 days of protection against damage, theft, and even loss of your purchases – one of the longest windows available. This premium coverage automatically applies when you pay with your card. Secondary Rental Car Insurance: This card provides backup protection for rental car damage or theft when you charge the full rental to your card. Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: This protection reimburses you for non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to covered situations like severe illness or weather events. Coverage activates when you pay for your trip with the card, but it’s important to note that reimbursement only applies for specific covered reasons rather than any cancellation. Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: You’ll get 24/7 access to emergency support worldwide, including medical referrals, legal help, and lost luggage assistance. While the service itself is included, you’re responsible for any actual costs incurred.
Winner:
It’s a tie. Both cards offer similar benefits.
Value of the Annual Fees
Freedom Unlimited:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, making it a great option for earning rewards without having to pay a large annual fee.
Authorized users can be added to the card for free and can help earn rewards through their spending.
Freedom Flex:
The Chase Freedom Flex doesn’t have an annual fee, making it a great beginner card for those who want to build their credit or try out the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
Winner:
It’s a tie. Both cards don’t have annual fees.
Redeeming Rewards
Both Cards:
To redeem the points or rewards on your Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex Card, log in to your Ultimate Rewards® account, navigate to the “Earn/Use” tab on your home page, and choose the type of redemption you want. The most popular options include:
Cash Back: Redeem your points in the form of a statement credit towards your balance or receive a direct deposit into a bank account.
Gift Cards: Convert your rewards into a gift card from your preferred retailer, with gift card options starting at 500 points for $5, so that’s worth 1 cent per point.
Pay With Points: Use your points to pay for Amazon or PayPal purchases. However, we don’t really recommend this option since redemption values are typically less than 0.8 cents apiece. Amazon Gift cards would be a better option.
Travel: If you book a trip through Chase’s travel portal, you redeem your rewards at one cent per point.
The Verdict
It’s hard to choose between the Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex. Both cards offer similar perks and redemption options but the key difference lies in how they earn cashback rewards.
Personally, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is the better choice, since it’s more versatile and beginner-friendly. With 1.5% cashback on every purchase, you can maximize earning rewards on every dollar spent.
The Freedom Flex is also a great option, but it’s better suited for experienced cardholders who can strategize their purchases based on the card’s rotating categories.
Which card are you going to choose?
